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The Song of Achilles

Madeline Miller

Start date: November 1, 2021

Finish date: November 28, 2021

Discussion: Monthly Group Reads

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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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What Members Thought

May 22, 2021 Melania 🍒 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3.75|5 🛡 2021 TBR

since you all know what's The Song of Achilles about by now, and I can say I enjoyed it, but not in a way that wasn't probably already said, here's a cool art piece by Alice Blake:

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Jul 10, 2018 W.S. Long rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. As a lover of Greek and Roman mythology, I have to say I loved how the author took elements from mythology, including Homer's, "The Iliad," and other non-fiction to weave a tale involving Achilles, Peleus, Agamemnon, Menelaus, Thetis and, of course, Patroclus.

The story is told from the point of view of Patroclus, Achilles' companion. It is a love story between Patroclus and Achilles. Plain and simple. The beautiful passages of the book have Patroclus explaining his attraction as a teenager to t As a lover of Greek and Roman mythology, I have to say I loved how the author took elements from mythology, including Homer's, "The Iliad," and other non-fiction to weave a tale involving Achilles, Peleus, Agamemnon, Menelaus, Thetis and, of course, Patroclus.

The story is told from the point of view of Patroclus, Achilles' companion. It is a love story between Patroclus and Achilles. Plain and simple. The beautiful passages of the book have Patroclus explaining his attraction as a teenager to the titled hero, then his evolving love towards the warrior, and--in a few passages --sometimes his anger and resentment of the man he loves, the greatest Greek warrior of the Bronze Age, Achilles.

Although I was uncomfortable with how Thetis, Achilles' mother, comes off as cold, uncaring, and manipulative (a complete departure from Homer's picture of her), I understand that this dynamic forced the plot line and the conflict between Achilles, his mother, and Achilles' lover, Patroclus.

Odysseus also comes off as more clever and conniving than caring.

There were a few surprises here and there. Departures from what Edith Hamilton or Ovid would describe about some of the characters, but it kept "The Song of Achilles," different and riveting.

My least favorite part of the book was the last chapter. I wanted more of crystal clear closure. And since the last character is told from the point of view of Patroclus' spirit, I would have wanted a more overt happily-ever-after, then an allusion to what could be, or should be. Maybe I wanted to hear Achilles call "Patroclus" out loud one more time, just as he did in the book, and how the narrator in the audiobook whispered. Maybe I just wanted one more moment with two of them holding hands, either in the underworld, or in the island of heroes.

The writing is a bit lyrical at times; and the prose sometimes reminds me a little of Mary Renault. But to her credit, the author keeps up a quick pace of dialogue, plot and action. The dialogue is simple, the research on the players shows.

All in all, I loved this book. I just wished it ended with Achilles calling out Patroclus' name one more time. Don't hate me for wishing that. ...more

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Nov 24, 2021 Toni FGMAMTC rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance, action, gods-mythology-or-demigods, adventure, historical-fantasy, greece, lgbtqia, greek-mythology, retelling

4.5 stars

These is a retelling of a Greek myth. It's a tragedy, but it's also a beautiful epic romance. It has everything. Lots of feels for me, especially at the end. ...more

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